Flight-Specific Authentication Data for Aircraft Passenger Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

The complex connection of passenger devices to aircraft in-flight entertainment systems and the lack of personalized use of external communication devices pose challenges in accessing and utilizing onboard communication systems efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A method where a data processing device generates flight-specific authentication data, transmitted to a passenger's device via a communication network, enabling wireless authentication and access to onboard systems, combined with access data for personalized use and secure communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If passenger devices connect to aircraft in-flight entertainment systems using traditional methods, then access to onboard communication systems is achieved, but the connection process becomes complex and difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to onboard communication systemVSAvoidcomplexity of connection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication by transmitting access data and authentication data to the passenger device before the flight. The passenger device stores these data locally, so that when the passenger boards the aircraft, the authentication has already been prepared, eliminating the need for complex real-time connection procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where a unique identifier and authentication data act as mediators between the passenger device and the onboard communication system. This intermediary layer simplifies the direct connection process by using pre-established credentials rather than requiring complex real-time handshaking protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional authentication methods are used for onboard systems, then access control is maintained, but personalized use of external communication devices is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalized use of passenger deviceVSAvoidaccess control security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system assigns unique, flight-specific authentication data to each passenger device, creating local quality differences between devices. Each passenger receives personalized access credentials tied to their specific flight and device, enabling personalized use while maintaining security through device-specific authentication rather than generic access control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication by transmitting access data and authentication data to the passenger device before the flight. The passenger device stores these data locally, so that when the passenger boards the aircraft, the authentication has already been prepared, eliminating the need for complex real-time connection procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual authentication procedures are implemented, then security verification is performed, but the authentication process requires significant time and effort from passengers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of authentication processVSAvoidtime required for authentication

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The passenger device automatically performs authentication using pre-stored access data and authentication credentials. The device autonomously transmits its unique identifier to the onboard communication system and completes the verification process without requiring manual passenger intervention, significantly reducing authentication time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication by transmitting access data and authentication data to the passenger device before the flight. The passenger device stores these data locally, so that when the passenger boards the aircraft, the authentication has already been prepared, eliminating the need for complex real-time connection procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2820816B1Authentication method for a passenger and corresponding software

Publication Date: 2019.04.10 LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG

Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c

AI summary

The invention relates to an identification process and to a corresponding software for a passenger (1) of an aircraft (2) of an airline (3), wherein a data processing device (4) of the airline (3) generates flight-specific authentication data for use by a non-board communication device (7), and the authentication data is transmitted to a portable passenger device (5, 6) of the passenger (1) by means of a communication network. The authentication data permits the authentication of the passenger device (5, 6) by means of radio transmission of the authentication data to the on-board communication device (7).